New Zealanders fight out MacKay Open

Josh Geary has overcome difficult conditions and fellow kiwi Daniel Peace to take out the 2014 New Pioneer Motors City of Mackay Open.

Starting the final round one shot behind Pearce, Geary was out of the blocks early making birdies on his opening three holes to make the turn in four under and hold a two shot lead. A further birdie at the tenth extended his lead, though back-to-back bogies on the eleventh and twelfth and another at the sixteenth looked to have derailed Geary’s campaign. A settling par on 17 and a birdie at the last though, would be good enough to secure a two shot win and his first victory on the Queensland Sunshine Tour.

This is the first trip to Mackay for Geary, who has been trying to make it on the web.com tour in America for the past few years. “I have really enjoyed the past week here in Mackay and it is great to have capped off the week with a win,” Geary said.

“This is the first year I have not been living in America and with the weather being cold and miserable back home, I thought it would be a much better idea to fly over to Queensland and play a few events. The tournament committee have done a wonderful job this week and if things don’t work out for me at the end of the year at Qualifying Schools, I would only love the chance to return and defend my title.”

Although disappointed not to have won, Daniel Pearce was happy with his performance and is looking forward to Rockhampton next week. “This was a difficult week in a sense, knowing that without a good finish in Mackay, this Pro Am could have possibly been my last for a few weeks. Hopefully I can now take the confidence I have gained this week and try and earn a spot at Yeppoon the following week.”

Tournament favourites Scott Hend and Daniel Popovic certainly made their presence felt over the past four days. They both players had their chances, but unfortunately the putts just didn’t fall and settled for a share of fifth.

Professionals will now make their way down to Rockhampton for the Ian Weigh Toyota Rockhampton Pro Am which gets underway on Thursday. Unfortunately for organisers, Adam Bland won’t be back to defend his title from last year after gaining his full playing rights at the end of 2013 for the Japan Golf Tour.

About the Author: Bruce Young

A multi-award winning golf journalist, Bruce's extensive knowledge of the game comes from several years caddying the tournament circuits of the world, marketing a successful golf course design company and as one of Australia's leading golf journalists and commentators.